Skill Development Specialist

IRCO; Portland (OR); Hybrid; USD 45,000 - 55,000; Full time

Job summary

IRCO is seeking a Skill Development Specialist to support JOBS participants with intensive coaching, workshops, and on-site work simulations in a hybrid role. The program focuses on job preparation, skills training, and counseling at an unpaid work site or simulated activities, with a passion for workforce development.

The ideal candidate will manage participant plans, provide readiness activities, and collaborate with partner businesses to extend training opportunities.

Qualifications

• High School or GED or equivalent professional experience.
• Minimum 1-2 years of work experience.
• Experience in workforce development or related fields.
• Proficiency in creating and delivering engaging workshops.
• Experience managing participant case files and using database systems.
• Excellent communication, organizational, and interpersonal skills.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite and familiarity with computer lab environments.

Responsibilities

• Conduct intakes, assessments, and develop individualized plans for referred JOBS members.
• Provide workforce readiness support, including skill-building activities on and off work-site training.
• Supervise participants during off-site work training at partner businesses, ensuring they receive the necessary support and guidance.
• Supervise participants during work simulation activities.
• Design and facilitate onsite work simulation activities tailored to participant needs and career goals.
• Develop curriculum and lead workshops on workplace readiness, basic computer literacy, career exploration, and resume writing.
• Manage the onsite Career Center and computer lab resources.
• Collaborate with the Business Specialist to connect with local businesses for training opportunities.
• Maintain accurate attendance and activity records and prepare progress reports.

Skills

Case management

Workshop facilitation

Communication skills

Microsoft Office

Database knowledge

Education

High School diploma or GED

Tools

Microsoft Word

Excel

Database systems

Job description

Description

The Immigrant and Refugee Community Organization (IRCO) is a non‑profit organization established in 1976 to serve immigrants, refugees, and the broader community in Portland, Oregon. Our mission is to welcome, serve and empower refugees, immigrants and people across cultures and generations to reach their full potential. Find out more at www.irco.org.?

POSITION: Skill Development Specialist

JOB CLASS/GRADE: Specialist 2/Grade 7

WAGE: Starting at $49,572 per year based on experience

FLSA; EEO; WC: Non-Exempt; Professional; 8864

LOCATIONS: Various DHS Locations

FTE; FT/PT; STATUS: 0.80 FTE; Full-Time with Benefits; Regular Hybrid Schedule

NUMBER OF POSITIONS: (1)

STATUS: ?Part-Time with Benefits?

PROGRAM(S): Community Works Project (CWP)

SECTOR: Workforce and Employment Division/ Community Works Project (CWP)

REQUIREMENTS: Must possess a valid driver’s license and verification of current auto- insurance and have full use of an automobile during work hours

Program Summary

The Community Works Project (CWP) is a 2-agency collaborative project providing job preparation and placement services to participants in the program of the ODHS Temporary Assistance to Need Families (TANF) who are participating in Job Opportunities Basic Skills (JOBS) program. CWP serves seven Oregon Department of Human Services (ODHS) locations.

Position Summary

The Skill Development Specialist t plays a critical role in empowering participants who need intensive support. This role focuses on providing more intensive support, skills training, and job-related intervention and counseling at an unpaid work site or work simulation activity (onsite). The ideal candidate will have a passion for workforce development and a commitment to helping individuals overcome barriers to employment.?

Essential Functions

Participant Support and Case Management?:

• Conduct intakes, assessments, and develop individualized Plans for referred JOBS members??
• Provide workforce readiness support, including skill-building activities on and off work-site training.
• Supervise participants during off-site work training at partner businesses, ensuring they receive the necessary support and guidance to succeed in a real-world work environment.?
• Supervise participants during work simulation activities??

Workshop Development and Delivery:

• Design and facilitate onsite work simulation activities tailored to participant needs, ensuring they develop skills aligned with their career goals?
• Develop curriculum and lead workshops covering topics such as:
• Workplace readiness (time management, conflict resolution, etc.)??
• Basic computer literacy (Microsoft Word & Excel)?
• Career Exploration (ID. Strengths, Setting Career Goals, etc.)??
• Resume building and cover letter writing.?
• Other professional skills to prepare participants for workplace environments.?

Career Center and Technology Lab Oversight?:

• Manage the onsite Career Center and computer lab, ensuring participants have access to resources for skill-building and job applications.?

Business and Community Outreach?:

• Collaborate with the Business Specialist to establish connections with local businesses for off-site skills training opportunities.
• Foster relationships with community partners to enhance program offerings and participant placements.?

Tracking and Reporting?:

• Maintain accurate records of participant attendance and activities using multiple database systems.?
• Monitor participant progress and prepare reports to ensure program accountability and effectiveness.?

Requirements

Secondary Functions

• Reliably managing time and prioritizing tasks in a workplace setting?
• Demonstrating conflict resolution and self-advocacy skills.???
• Requesting necessary workplace accommodations and managing emotions effectively.???
• Making well-reasoned decisions and developing skills aligned with chosen career paths.???

Education & Experience

MINIMUM JOB SPECIFIC QUALIFICATIONS:

• High School or some college coursework, or equivalent professional experience
• Minimum 1-2 years of work experience
• Strong background in workforce development, or related fields.?
• Proficiency in creating and delivering engaging workshops and training sessions.?
• Experience managing participant case files and using database systems for tracking and reporting.?
• Excellent communication, organizational, and interpersonal skills.?
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel) and familiarity with computer lab environments.?

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• Experience working with participants facing barriers to employment.?
• Familiarity with supported work environments.?
• Background in community outreach and partnership development.?

Physical, Mental, & Environmental Requirements

• Hybrid position
• Physical: Position requires little physical effort such as lifting, carrying, or constant movement, but does allow for movement needed to complete work tasks.
• Mental: There is regular variation in tasks, and the job holder must decide which tasks to complete as well as the order in which tasks are completed.
• Environment: This level has a work environment that is well protected, with virtually no hazards or obstacles. ?There is very little element of personal risk or hazard. ?Job conditions are stable, usually well managed, and very comfortable.
• Schedule: The work schedule is stable and does not fluctuate.

Supervisory Responsibilities

Positions at this level are not responsible for any supervisory functions, or responsibilities, but may occasionally be asked to orient and/or train new employees or volunteers.

Knowledge

Education: High School or GED (1)

Experience: 1-2 years of experience is required (3)

Computers: All positions at IRCO require use of a computer and experience working with Microsoft Products including but not limited to Microsoft 365, Excel, Word, Outlook, and PowerPoint.?

Skills

Communication: Regular communication inside and outside the organization to exchange ideas and gather information (5)?

Creativity: Regular need for redesign of a single focus process or procedure is needed (3)?

Effort

Mental: There is regular variation in tasks and the job holder must decide which tasks to complete as well as the order in which tasks are completed (3)?

Physical: Position requires little physical effort such as lifting, carrying, or constant movement, but does allow for movement needed to complete work tasks (1)?

Responsibility

Impact and Influence: Positions at this level have a minimal need or ability to analyze problem or concepts or make decisions on the information. Positions at this level have minimal impact and influence on organization operations, programs, expense or budgetary outcomes. (2)?

Work Independence: Positions at this level work under close supervision, usually function from a clear set of operating processes or procedures, and have work closely reviewed. Little to no judgment and decision-making is required. (1)?

Planning: Positions at this level must be able to foresee issues associated with own work and identify future needs for supplies, equipment, resources which would stall operations or activities. (2)?

Supervision: Positions at this level are not responsible for any supervisory functions or responsibilities, but may occasionally be asked to orient and/or train new employees or volunteers. (1)?

Working Conditions

Environment: This level has a work environment that is well protected, with virtually no hazards or obstacles. ?There is very little element of personal risk or hazard. ?Job conditions are stable, usually well managed, and very comfortable. (1)?

Schedule: The work schedule is stable and does not fluctuate. (1)?

Required Engagement?

Engage fully in recommended professional development, as well as other assigned or required training activities. This engagement can also include participation in optional activities that embrace IRCO’s mission, vision, and values-based initiatives.?

IRCO is an equal opportunity employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, pregnancy, age, national origin, disability status, genetic information, protected veteran status, or any characteristics protected by State and Federal law. We will make reasonable accommodations to meet our obligations under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and state disability laws.